A local chain store is offering Bushmaster's C15 with a 30-rd mag and a TruGlo red dot for $599.
I believe the price is very good... on par with other offerings I see.

My concern is more to the quality, features, accuracy, durability, and 'upgrade-ability' of this particular gun. I have 3 polymer Springers, A Savage Weather Warrior, and a selection of other long guns, but this is my first foray into an AR weapon.

At this point, my intended use is as a range gun, plinker, coyote control, and as an HD gun to back up my pistols and Mossberg 500s. But, I'd like to think that if the chips are down, this gun would run well - and long.

So, coupla' questions...
1. I'm also a little confused on the 223 and 5.56 NATO issue. My understanding is that a gun chambered for 223 will handle 5.56mm ammo without issues. But, a gun chambered for 5.56 will have problems with 223.

2. Can this gun be easily upgraded as far as parts are concerned? I heard the Bushmasters are a little non-standard in some ways.

3. What ammo works best in this gun as far as bullet weight and manufacturer insofar as twist rate is concerned?

4. What else do I need to know that I don't know even to ask about?

Thanks, folks....

__________________
"Figure Out What You Believe and STAND YOUR GROUND!"
Nemo Me Impune LacessitLots of Cast Iron to Cook With...
and a few defensive firearms, too!

1. I'm also a little confused on the 223 and 5.56 NATO issue. My understanding is that a gun chambered for 223 will handle 5.56mm ammo without issues. But, a gun chambered for 5.56 will have problems with 223.

The 5.56/223 will shoot both. The 223 will not shoot 5.56.

2. Can this gun be easily upgraded as far as parts are concerned? I heard the Bushmasters are a little non-standard in some ways.

The Bushmaster (now Windham Weaponry) should do well with upgrades.

3. What ammo works best in this gun as far as bullet weight and manufacturer insofar as twist rate is concerned?

Mine is 1:9 (Check the barrel, it will be listed there) and does well with 55 grain.

4. What else do I need to know that I don't know even to ask about?

Buy one, shoot it and then make the decision what add-ons are needed, if any.

__________________No one reads or cares what is written in ones signature box. So I'm not writing anything worth reading or remembering.

A local chain store is offering Bushmaster's C15 with a 30-rd mag and a TruGlo red dot for $599.
I believe the price is very good... on par with other offerings I see.

My concern is more to the quality, features, accuracy, durability, and 'upgrade-ability' of this particular gun. I have 3 polymer Springers, A Savage Weather Warrior, and a selection of other long guns, but this is my first foray into an AR weapon.

At this point, my intended use is as a range gun, plinker, coyote control, and as an HD gun to back up my pistols and Mossberg 500s. But, I'd like to think that if the chips are down, this gun would run well - and long.

So, coupla' questions...
1. I'm also a little confused on the 223 and 5.56 NATO issue. My understanding is that a gun chambered for 223 will handle 5.56mm ammo without issues. But, a gun chambered for 5.56 will have problems with 223.

2. Can this gun be easily upgraded as far as parts are concerned? I heard the Bushmasters are a little non-standard in some ways.

3. What ammo works best in this gun as far as bullet weight and manufacturer insofar as twist rate is concerned?

4. What else do I need to know that I don't know even to ask about?

Thanks, folks....

Hi There, welcome to the wonderful world of the modern Sporting rifle...

a 5.56 chambering will allow you to use both 5.56 and .223, reversely, a .223 chambering, is not safe to use 5.56. I believe ALL bushmaster barrels are 5.56

Any part that will go in a standard AR-15 should go in yours as well..I may be wrong with lower reciever parts, because of the polymer lower. But IIRC everything is the same. It should be as upgradeable as anything out there.

Bullet weight...That barrel should be a 1:9 twist, all bushmaster barrels are, according to their website. This will allow you to use a wide array of ammo from 55 grn to 68 grn, just fine. and to be honest, mine still shoots 1" at 100 yards with 85grn Soft points

As far as anything else you should know...well...There could be a LOT...but if ya have any doubts, just ask and we will try to answer as best we can..599 is a pretty good deal. I myself prefer aluminum recievers, but thats just personal preference, as I dont have any facts to back up a statement that they are better. So far I havent seen any real track record of failures from the polymer lowers.

The Carbon 15 is growing on me, based on yours and others comments. I don't have the budget for one of the $1500 and up guns, and not sure I need or deserve one at this point. I DO want to get a 'black gun' before any errant politicians decide that the second amendment was just a 'good suggestion'... much like some view the 10 Commandments!

Is it unreasonable to consider a .308 upper on a modest gun as this?

And, should I be able to remove the scope and install iron sights for not much money - if I wanted more of a utility/knockabout weapon?

__________________
"Figure Out What You Believe and STAND YOUR GROUND!"
Nemo Me Impune LacessitLots of Cast Iron to Cook With...
and a few defensive firearms, too!

o, you cant put a .308 upper on any regular AR lower, it has to be a .308 lower...I wish though..LOL

Yeah... you see my problem. I have some folks telling me otherwise. The gun rags are all fairly dialed in to the guns with exchangeable barrels and the selection appears to fall only to certain models designed for a swap.

It's not an issue, just gettin' wised up a little.

I think I'll go put a deposit on the C15 tonight, so I'll have one when they get some in stock.

__________________
"Figure Out What You Believe and STAND YOUR GROUND!"
Nemo Me Impune LacessitLots of Cast Iron to Cook With...
and a few defensive firearms, too!

My LGS never got their shipment of the Bushmaster. I believe they were subbing the S&W Sport for $599, but no scope. But, they are also out of those, too. Is that weapon a better one in your opinion than the Bushmaster? is it chambered in 5.56 mm and also compatible with .223 rem?

__________________
"Figure Out What You Believe and STAND YOUR GROUND!"
Nemo Me Impune LacessitLots of Cast Iron to Cook With...
and a few defensive firearms, too!

The S&W Sport is a fine rifle chambered in 5.56 so you can shoot both 5.56 and 223. In my personal preference I would buy the Sport again, I have one and it is reliable, accurate and has a great warranty. 1/2" groups at 100 yds with my hand loads. That being said my next AR will be a Windham Weaponry varmint exterminator.

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